Ron Hextall
Chuck Fletcher got aggressive early and traded for the rights to free-agent forward Kevin Hayes. Should Hayes sign with the Flyers, this will not be the last new addition. It may not be the last trade. It’s only the beginning of Fletcher’s aggressive approach to the offseason.
The 2019 IIHF World Championships begin on Friday and for eight Flyers, the season continues.
When the Flyers announced the rest of Alain Vigneault’s coaching staff on Monday, it was clear experience was a key factor.
Early in Vigneault’s introductory press conference on Thursday, it became apparent why Fletcher felt he had found the right person for the job. Vigneault talked at length about the approach he will bring to the Flyers, one that involves approaching the game with the right mindset.
The word going around is that the Flyers are going to be “aggressive” this offseason in the free agent and trade market, looking at all the ways they can upgrade the team. Quite frankly, they have no choice. All you have to do is look across the street for a reminder of just how relevant they are right now.
The Flyers season is over, and it sets up for an interesting offseason for GM Chuck Fletcher, one that begins now that the season is over and will carry over throughout the summer and as the 2019-20 season approaches.
The season will ultimately be known for the failure to meet expectations, to take that next step in the development of a contender, and the massive fallout behind it.
Whether the Flyers stick with interim head coach Scott Gordon or look elsewhere for a new head coach, GM Chuck Fletcher said the search will not last long.
Two weeks ago, the Flyers had closed the gap to a playoff spot from 16 points to three points. In the seven games since, they have gone just 2-5-0 as a difficult schedule simply became too much.
While showing promise earlier on in the season, David Kase is trying to get back to where he was prior to his upper-body injury that kept him out from Dec. 7 to March 2. If he finds his scoring ability again, the Flyers will have yet another young star in the making.
